Building shoreline resilience of Timor Leste to protect local communities and their livelihoods

Introduction

Timor-Leste has approximately 747km of coastline with an estimated two-thirds of the population living in coastal areas (over 600,000 people residing in coastal and lowland areas at an elevation up to 500m). Communities are therefore highly vulnerable to climate change-induced hazards and disasters such as rising sea levels, inundation, erosion, salt-water intrusion and storm surges as well as drought.

The objective of this project (2016-2020) is to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities by the introduction of nature-based approaches to coastal protection. It includes a focus on mangroves and coastal wetlands ecosystem protection and restoration - natural barriers between the sea and coastal communities - while also strengthening alternative livelihoods options and integrated approaches to coastal adaptation. Raising public awareness about the importance of coastal ecosystems in shoreline protection and climate change is an integral part of the programme.

The lead partner in the project is the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. As coastal management is cross-sectoral, various ministries are also engaged in implementation, as well as development partners, international and local non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, academia and the private sector.

1.4: Forestry and Fisheries Directories under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have their roles, coordination planning mechanisms clarified and enforced for improved management of mangrove and other critical coastal habitats (as emerges from NAP consultation process) ($50,000).

2.1: At least 1000 ha of degraded mangrove areas rehabilitated through natural recruitment and restoration of hydrological regimes both in the northern and southern coasts with a direct employment of local coastal communities; - based on hydrological study, restoration of mangrove hydrological support system (i.e. pond and marchlands); - based on mangrove inventory and GIS mapping of coastal changes from SLR and inundation cycle and extent, implement mangrove rehabilitation on the identified priority segments; - establish mangrove nurseries and maintenance protocols under the MAF and with direct participation / employment of coastal communities, particularly women ($2,520,000)

Monitoring and Evaluation

5,330 community members from seven municipalities have participated in community sensitization and consultation on the importance of mangroves and coastal wetlands protection and conservation (an ecosystem-based approach) in climate change adaptation.

2,155 children in 14 primary and secondary schools participated in educational activities on mangrove and wetland restoration targeting school children as a means of also engaging the broader community.

As part of a youth symposium on environment, mangroves and coastal ecosystem conservation, 740 youth participated in different activities including planting mangroves and multipurpose trees, as well as cleaning and educational activities, among others.

503 national experts provided trainings on biophysical coastal vulnerability assessment and prioritization of climate change adaptation options; assessment and monitoring of mangrove and coastal wetlands using drones; community based mangroves restoration techniques and financial and project management.

620 poor households, of which 264 are women (3,720 individuals) in seven districts were organized into groups and received business skill and technical trainings and currently engaged in fishery, fattening, horticulture, handicraft, farming, and agroforestry activities.

16,845 multipurpose trees such as jackfruit, orange, papaya, mahogany, citrus, sandal wood and coconut seedlings prepared by community and implementing NGOs in all target municipalities which will be planted on degraded hills, coastline and community farms and home yards as a mechanism of reducing erosion, land degradation and enhancing food security.